WhatsApp rolling out passkey support on Android
Android users of WhatsApp will no longer have to deal with the hassle of SMS-based two-factor authentication, as the Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has announced that it is rolling out passkey support on Android. Passkeys on WhatsApp will allow users to sign in to their accounts the same way they unlock their devices: with a fingerprint, a face scan or a PIN. This feature aims to enhance user security and simplify the authentication process within the popular messaging app.
The company made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and said, “Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys only your face, finger print, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account.”
Also read: WhatsApp passkey rolls out to beta testers on Android: Here’s how it works
Passkeys on WhatsApp are a new, highly secure method for Android users to regain access to their accounts. With this feature, users can now effortlessly log in to their WhatsApp accounts with their unique facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN.
Also read: WhatsApp to soon let you protect IP address during calls: Here’s how
This advanced security measure ensures that only the account owner can access their WhatsApp, offering peace of mind and protection against unauthorised access.
The Verge reached out to Meta for information regarding the compatibility of WhatsApp passkeys on iOS. Currently, there is no confirmation regarding passkey support for iPhones. However, the rollout of passkey support for Android will roll out over the coming weeks and months.
Passkeys are a way to sign in to apps and websites. They’re both easier to use and more secure than passwords. Passkeys let users sign in to apps and sites the same way they unlock their devices: with a fingerprint, a face scan or a PIN. And, unlike passwords, passkeys are resistant to online attacks like phishing, making them more secure than things like SMS one-time codes.
